Help is on the way...sort of

[love_that_reefer]

The St. Louis Cardinals have activated third baseman David Freese and utilityman Nick Punto from the 15-day disabled list.

Freese played only four games for Triple-A Memphis during a rehab assignment from a broken left hand that has sidelined him since May 1. Punto played in seven games with Double-A Springfield while rehabbing from a right forearm strain.

Infielder Pete Kozma and outfielder Andrew Brown were optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

The Cardinals have lost 12 of 15 heading into a six-game interleague trip to Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

Freese was batting .356 with two homer and 14 RBIs in 25 games and is expected to add depth to the middle of a lineup minus Albert Pujols. Punto, who could help at second base, was batting .262 with four doubles, two triples and 11 RBIs in 25 games.

The Cardinals have been just awful but yet they are still just three games behind the NL Central leading Brewers. Freese should fill in nicely in the #5 hole in the lineup as he has been the man with RISP the past two seasons. He just needs to stay healthy. Punto can help fill in anywhere and adds a veteran to the bench so he has some value but Freese is the story here. He might be a little rusty at first but I see him adding a spark to this offense.

[catman]

The Cardinals seem to have some help coming, but it will take a while to arrive. Kolten Wong looks like the 1st rounder the Cards think he is. He is fast, has good bat-speed and is a solid fielder. I would look for him to be ready to contribute at the big league level in about 3 years or so.